Oct 29,2007Threats prompt Redmond High School lockdown for second consecutive day by Cheryl McDermott

For the second time in two days, threatening notes found in a girls’ bathroom referring to either bombs or shootings prompted a lockdown at Redmond High School, authorities reported.

According to Redmond School District’s communications officer Stephanie Curtis, a bomb threat was found on Thursday, Oct. 25.Police were notified, the building was evacuated and students were sent home about 1:30 p.m.The incident was deemed “non-credible”, Curtis said.

On Friday during the noon hour, another note found in a girls’ bathroom indicated there was a bomb at the main Redmond High School campus, and a shooting would take place at the Hartman Annex Campus, Redmond Police Captain Brian McNaughton said.

School district administrators and officers made the decision to lock down the Hugh Hartman campus and evacuate the high school.“A thorough search of both locations was conducted. No bombs or weapons were located,” McNaughton said.

Friday’s evacuation and lockdown lasted about one hour.

The Redmond School District is offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an arrestin this case, Curtis said.Citing Oregon law, Curtis said anyone making a false bomb threat against a school can be charged with first-degree disorderly conduct. “For repeat offenders, this can be considered a felony crime,” she said.

“The individual(s) who is responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Curtis said, adding that the District will explore extending the school year as an option to make up for lost instructional time if these types of incidents continue.